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Susan Riggio, A Woman in Motion on a Quest

Born in Brooklyn, NY with a love of the outdoors and a desire to share her passion for adventure with others, Susan began guiding family, friends and community groups on nature trails almost 25 years ago.  In 2001, Susan founded the Learning Garden at Oak Street School, a place where children had the opportunity to help feed the homeless through planting and harvesting crops. By 2002, her passionate hobby grew into a profession as she launched, Earth Speak Adventures leading hundreds of people on outdoor excursions through North and South America and Africa. In 2015, Alchemy Outdoors LLC was born through Susan’s own evolutionary process of transformation and a commitment to serve and awaken the whole through the avenue of nature.

When not on the trails, Susan continues to be a woman in motion! Running her first marathon at the age of 40, Susan has become an avid runner and often competes in marathons and endurance events worldwide including a race around the western rim of the Grand Canyon and another through the Redwoods in Northern 

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California as well as several Ironman Triathlon competitions, and 50 miles trail races. Her most recent competition in Madagascar was a seven-day, 155-mile, self-supported running race across dangerous terrain and extreme temperatures, carrying all her provisions on her back. For Susan, it's never about competing, but rather about a "way of Being" in the experience that is fully present and aware physically, mentally and spiritually, connected to oneself and the group as a whole.

When at home in New Jersey, Susan enjoys spending quality time with her husband Bill and their two children. Her other passions include cooking healthy, delicious, peasant-style meals for family and friends, painting the natural world around her in watercolor, gardening, writing and of course, traveling and exploring new or familiar destinations home and abroad.

 

  • Madagascar multi-day self supported running race

    Madagascar multi-day self supported running race

  • High Altitude training in Telluride, Colorado

    High Altitude training in Telluride, Colorado

  • Enjoying the High Andes of Peru!

    Enjoying the High Andes of Peru!

  • Taking time to soak in the magnificent landscape on Ausungate sacred mountain in Peru

    Taking time to soak in the magnificent landscape on Ausungate sacred mountain in Peru

  • Climbing up from magnificent Mooney Falls in the Grand Canyon

    Climbing up from magnificent Mooney Falls in the Grand Canyon

  • Mt. Kilimanjaro 2013

    Mt. Kilimanjaro 2013

  • Scaling the travertine walls in the Grand Canyon to Mooney Falls

    Scaling the travertine walls in the Grand Canyon to Mooney Falls

  • High Altitude training in Colorado 14,000 foot peaks

    High Altitude training in Colorado 14,000 foot peaks

  • Backcountry snowshoeing in the San Juan Mountains

    Backcountry snowshoeing in the San Juan Mountains

  • Sunrise at the Grand Canyon on New Years Day. Hiked under the light of a full blue moon to from the bottom to arrive at the rim at the dawn of a new year!

    Sunrise at the Grand Canyon on New Years Day. Hiked under the light of a full blue moon to from the bottom to arrive at the rim at the dawn of a new year!

  • Mt. Kilimanjaro 2015: Guiding Lonnie, a blind veteran. Lonnie is adventurous, funny and a great dancer to boot!

    Mt. Kilimanjaro 2015: Guiding Lonnie, a blind veteran. Lonnie is adventurous, funny and a great dancer to boot!

  • The magnificence of water!

    The magnificence of water!

  • 14,000 foot peak training Colorado

    14,000 foot peak training Colorado

  • Snowshoeing in Telluride

    Snowshoeing in Telluride

  • Havasu Canyon water crossing

    Havasu Canyon water crossing

  • Guiding Aaron, a blind veteran and hero on Colorado 14,000 foot climb

    Guiding Aaron, a blind veteran and hero on Colorado 14,000 foot climb

  • Mt. Kilimanjaro Summit 2015

    Mt. Kilimanjaro Summit 2015

     

    Trail Talk with Susan

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    • “ I have hiked with Sue for many years. She is incredibly fit, and able to handle complex technical challenges of the more difficult hikes. Susan is motivating, well prepared, and most of all, we always have fun! ”

      – Tom
    • “ I’ve hiked with Susan many, many times over the past 4 years both locally and on trips that included hiking in Colorado and climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Susan is a terrific hike leader/guide. She is tireless, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with. ”

      – Pat
    • “ Ten years ago I could barely walk around the block. Since meeting Susan I have swam in the blue green waters of Havasu, climbed to the top of Ausangante in Peru, and summited Mount Kilimanjaro. Susan was there to coach me, train me, and motivate me. I have made lifelong friends through these trips. Susan is not only a fantastic guide but a trusted friend. ”

      – Marlo
    • “ I have known Sue over 15 years. We have climbed many, mountains and hiked too many miles to count. Sue designs trips that are first class, managing every detail resulting in exceptional experiences. Her comprehensive training to prepare you for these trips is a very unique feature of a guide. ”

      – Joanne
    • “ I figured that my days of outdoor adventure where behind me. Susan introduced me to local hiking. Susan's thoughtful and tireless care into trip research and planning has helped me prepare - both physically and mentally. I am more fit at age 53 than I ever was in my 20’s or 30’s. ”

      – Mason
    • “ I successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa with Susan as my outstanding guide and leader. I witnessed her guide a blind man to the summit and not only is she supportive and positive, her main focus is safety and well being. After climbing treacherous trails, I knew Susan was an experienced and professional guide that I could trust in any conditions. I am forever grateful that this wonderful spirit came into my life and changed it for the better. ”

      – Lori
    • “ I love hiking with Susan! Her hikes are always fun and challenging- terrific exercise! Plus Susan's extensive knowledge and familiarity with hiking trails in the Northeast have led to some very special hikes filled with amazing scenery, magnificent views, and breathtaking natural beauty....I can't wait to get back out on the trail with her and see what new, amazing experience she has in store for us! ”

      – Jean
    • “ I’m an avid adventurer and outdoorsman and the Kilimanjaro climb was one of the greatest overall experiences I have had on an expedition.  From planning to travel to accommodations and execution the trip was a tremendous success. Susan Riggio is an experienced outdoorsman and a world-class athlete.  She has a unique approach to bringing unity and a sense of connectedness to even the most diverse teams.”

      - Rick
    • “I have been hiking and adventuring with Susan for several years now. She has a real talent for organizing and motivating people to get moving, push yourself, and enjoy the world around us. Whether a brisk hike along some local trail or waking up to a bazillion stars in the Grand Canyon, I can honestly say were it not for Susan, my wife and I would not have re-discovered our love of the outdoors.”

      - Eric

    Contact Alchemy Outdoors today.
    Call 908-229-6029 or fill out the form below.

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